Ava's Bedroom Update Part 2

This week has been so busy that I've been unable to spend quality time on Ava's Room.  The hem job on her panels is proof...sad, I know.  I used Stitch Witchery Iron-on Hem Tape (which is okay) but I really should've taken the time to precisely measure the length instead of just eyeballing it.  I've been fighting with the notion of pulling the old sewing machine off my closet shelf.  I read Janell's excellent drapery tutorial series AFTER hanging Ava's curtains.  I think I will try to take some time this weekend or beg someone else to tidy up my work. It would probably be a good idea to hem the curtains properly as well as reinforce the grosgrain ribbon trim.  By the way, I'm pretty satisfied with the trim! It was quick and easy, I just glued it to the panels with Fabri-Tac. 

Ava is my sideline cheerleader and loves to watch me work in her room.  In her little voice, she will occasionally say, "ooh nice!" It's the little things that make it so worthwhile...
 
To carry out the polka dot pattern in the room I added a bit of ribbon trim to a lampshade I bought ($3) at a liquidation warehouse. The lamp is one of two I bought from Target when I got my first condo.  The other lamp is in the boy's room awaiting its fate.  The frog teapot was a gift from Ava's Godmother, the floral in the ceramic baby shoe was created by my Aunt.

Other plans include a wall mural inspired by the scrapbooking paper in the image below.  How sweet would it be to also line the drawers of her armoire with this same print?

 

Now that I will have to spend my weekend redoing the curtains due to my impatience, I know for sure I will take my time when creating this mural.  It won't be nearly as busy as this paper's pattern.  I plan to feature a few of my favorite flowers like the one I circled above.  

Hopefully you've learned from my mistake and will take your time when completing your design projects.  I will spend my free time redoing what should've been done right the first time.  Attention to detail is so important especially when working on a space with a small budget.  The idea is to create a look that appears to cost more, when you really paid less. Lesson Learned!

Ava's Bedroom Update

It was a few months back that Project Nursery featured a custom mood board I designed for Ava's big girl room. At that time, she and her twin brother shared this room:

Since then we moved and other priorities took precedence over her room decor until now.  It's now been five months at the new house and I'm finally on track to creating a fresh, playful little space Ava can call her own.  Fortunately she hasn't voiced her design preferences which means I don't have to entertain the idea of a Dora the Explorer wall decal or comforter set.

Initially I planned to purchase all new furniture, but then decided a few secondhand finds would leave more decorating dollars for other projects such as the boys' room.  Last week I found this armoire for only $20 on Craigslist...and here's the transformation:

Armoire Paint : Ballet Slipper Pink, Krylon

Hardware Paint: Metallics Brushed Nickel, Krylon

If the decision was left to my husband, he would've simply added a fresh coat of white paint.  That too would've been gorgeous, but I really wanted a girly statement piece.  Next, I will add a cut glass top to protect all of my hardwork!

I hope that this will both inspire and encourage you to try thrifting  (if you haven't already) and let me know what deals you find.  So what do you think so far? Don't you agree that pink was the way to go?

Design Quote of the Week

"Color can extend walls, raise ceilings and eliminate corners."

-Donald Kaufman

Don't you just love this high gloss salmon pink library? It's the perfect shade of pink without coming off too sweet (Farrow and Ball's Red Earth 64).

I had initially planned to focus on color this week, but received more emails with questions regarding home office decor and storage solutions. So I'm switching gears and will be back tomorrow with the first post of BLB's Home Office Series! Keep the questions coming! By the way, the kinks have been worked out with my email so feel free to use the new address: erika@blulabelbungalow.com

{image courtesy of House Beautiful}

New Room for Mommy's Big Girl

Ava Grace is now 2 years old and has outgrown her little crib...yet, another reason to redecorate! Items chosen for her room will grow with her through her grade school and teenage years plus or minus a few accessories! I love the challenge of translating fashion into stylish and livable spaces. Here's the adorable inspiration outfit (from Gymboree) chosen for this design...

Ava has a twin brother, Stay tuned for his room makeover!